What Potholes? Michigan Technological University Research Team Discovers Nanoclay Could Lead to Improving Asphalt Roads

May 29, 2012 06:18 PM EST By: Jennifer Rocha

Dr. Zhanping You and his group believe adding nanomaterials would prevent roads from buckling, cracking, and potholes.

In the release, Dr. You notes, “Asphalt is now made from petroleum, so it’s very expensive…a lot of people are looking at ways to make it more durable.” When Dr. You’s team added two types of nanoclay to asphalt, the viscosity of the asphalt showed significant improvement, providing better stiffness and strength to it. The team’s next goal is to test their nanoclay-modified asphalt mix in cold weather and under heavy load conditions.